Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rescinded the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) following appeals from both Majority and Minority leadership.
The affected MPs—Frank Annor-Dompreh, Rockson Dafeamekpor, Hassan Tampuli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib—were suspended for their involvement in chaotic scenes during the Appointments Committee's proceedings on January 30.
The disruption, captured on camera, saw MPs engaging in physical altercations, pushing and shoving each other, and overturning tables, leading to the destruction of microphones and other parliamentary equipment.
The disorder stemmed from a disagreement between the Minority and Majority sides over the continuation of vetting beyond 10:00 PM.
While the Minority insisted on adjourning after a long day, the Majority sought to proceed without them.
This led to a standoff, with some Minority members placing chairs on tables and overturning furniture in protest.
It took the intervention of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga to restore calm.
Following the incident, Speaker Bagbin took the unprecedented step of suspending the four MPs.
However, on February 4, after pleas from both Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Minority Leader Mahama Ayariga, he lifted the suspension.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged the Speaker to reconsider, highlighting the MPs’ contributions to the swift vetting of 42 ministerial nominees in record time.
“We have cooperated with the Majority members to vet the President’s nominees in record time. We plead with you to rescind your decision,” he appealed.
Mr. Ayariga also made a light-hearted yet persuasive plea, saying, “To err is human, to forgive is Speaker.”
In response, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of discipline but acknowledged the need for balance in punishment.
“As a father, when your son commits an offence, you don’t punish your son to the extent of breaking his leg,” he remarked.
With that, he formally lifted the suspension, allowing the four MPs to resume their parliamentary duties.
He urged all MPs to adopt dialogue and constructive engagement in resolving conflicts rather than resorting to disruptive behavior.
The decision has been welcomed by both sides of the House, with many calling for better decorum in parliamentary proceedings moving forward.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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